SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California legislature on Wednesday approved a bill that would modernize birth certificates to more accurately reflect families in which parents are of the same gender.

The bill, AB 1951, now goes to Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, and if signedm would allow parents to identify themselves as father, mother or parent when a child is born, a change from the current birth certificate that supporters say is more reflective of growing rights and acceptance for same-sex couples.

“Birth certificates reflect real rights and responsibilities, and it’s important to have them reflect the progression of what defines family,” said Rick Zbur, executive director-elect of Equality California. “Every child deserves a parent or parents who love them, and AB 1951 will ensure an accurate representation of the child’s family.”

“AB 1951 acknowledges a same-sex parent and ensures a child’s parent or parents are able to make important decisions regarding health care, education, extracurricular activities and other critical needs,” said Zbur.